Human Dimensions of Wildlife ... - University Of Montana

Human Dimensions of Wildlife "Public wildlife management on private lands." Appendix I: Hunter Survey, Montana Elk Management in Areas with Brucellosis

SECTION 1:

1. Before receiving this survey, how much had you heard about Brucellosis as it relates to elk and cattle in Montana?

(Please check only one box.)

None

A little

Some

A lot

2. On a scale of 1 to 4 (where 1 is "Not at All Concerned" and 4 is "Extremely Concerned"), how concerned are you that Brucellosis might lead to the following in Montana (MT)? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Not at All Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Unsure

A decline in MT's overall state economy

1

2

3

4

Increased costs for FWP to manage elk in MT

1

2

3

4

A decline in local area economies in MT

1

2

3

4

Health impacts to humans

1

2

3

4

A decline in MT's cattle industry

1

2

3

4

A decline in MT's elk numbers

1

2

3

4

A decline in elk hunting opportunities in MT

1

2

3

4

Increased costs for ranchers to raise cattle in MT

1

2

3

4

3. FWP is currently managing Brucellosis risk as it relates to elk and cattle in Montana. On a scale of 1 to 7, (where 1 is "Highly Unacceptable" and 7 is "Highly Acceptable"), how acceptable are the following FWP actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Unacceptable

Slightly Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Preventing co-mingling of cattle and elk using lethal removal of elk

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Assessing the effectiveness of elk management

efforts to reduce the risk of transmission from elk

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

to cattle

Research to better understand Brucellosis and transmission risks

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Working with the MT Department of Livestock to manage Brucellosis risk to cattle from elk

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Public communication/outreach about Brucellosis risk management

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitoring elk movement/distribution in areas of high transmission risk

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Preventing co-mingling of cattle and elk using nonlethal means

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Working with local groups to implement risk management efforts in the local area

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

SECTION 2:

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE ANSWERING THE NEXT QUESTIONS

The Fish and Wildlife Commission has recently approved additional management actions to help manage Brucellosis risk. The approved actions could be implemented on individual cattle ranches in Montana where there is a significant potential for elk to co-mingle with cattle during the Brucellosis risk period (January 15th ? June 15th). We want to understand how acceptable these actions would be in six hypothetical situations. Some of the hypothetical situations refer to the elk "population objective." FWP is required by law to manage for a specific number of elk (this is called the "population objective") in each management area based on elk ecology, public expectations, and agricultural tolerances.

Some of the possible actions could take place during the following time periods:

December 1st ? January 15th ? February 15th ?

January 15th : February 15th : June 15th :

After the fall hunting season and before the Brucellosis risk period During the traditional game damage hunt period* After the traditional game damage hunt period* and up to the end of the Brucellosis risk period

* During the "traditional game damage hunt period" a minimal number of elk are harvested in order to reduce

crop and property damage by re-distributing game animals.

For each of the following six hypothetical situations, please rate the acceptability of management actions that could be used to address the situation. Please rate the acceptability on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is "Highly Unacceptable" and 7 is "Highly Acceptable."

Hypothetical Situation 1: Imagine a MT ranch where Brucellosis has been detected in elk, but not in cattle. Elk populations are below the population objective and the landowner here allows public access for hunting.

4. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some elk to move elk away from cattle after Feb. 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hypothetical Situation 2: Imagine a MT ranch where Brucellosis has been detected in elk, but not in cattle. Elk populations are below the population objective and the landowner here does not allow public access for hunting.

2

5. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some elk to move elk away from cattle after Feb. 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hypothetical Situation 3: Imagine a MT ranch where Brucellosis has been detected in elk, but not in cattle. Elk populations are above the population objective and the landowner here allows public access for hunting.

6. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited

eHlkytpoomthoevteicealkl

number of hunters to harvest some

Saiwtuayatfiroonm4c:aItmtleaagfitneer FaeMb.T15ranch

1

where Brucellosis

2

has

been

3

detected

in

4

elk,

but

5

not

in

cattle.

6

Elk

7

populations

are above the population objective and the landowner here does not allow public access for hunting.

3

7. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some elk to move elk away from cattle after Feb. 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hypothetical Situation 5: Imagine a MT ranch where Brucellosis has been detected in both elk and cattle; the landowner here allows public access.

8. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some elk to move elk away from cattle after Feb. 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hypothetical Situation 6: Imagine a MT ranch where Brucellosis has been detected in both elk and cattle; the landowner

here does not allow public access.

4

9. Based on this situation, how acceptable are the following actions? (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Highly Unacceptable

Moderately Slightly Unacceptable Unacceptable

Neither

Slightly Acceptable

Moderately Acceptable

Highly Acceptable

Take no action

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monitor the situation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Permanently fence haystacks to keep elk out

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Temporarily fence feed lines or pastures to prevent elk from co-mingling with cattle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle from Jan. 15 ? Feb. 15

Provide a small number of kill permits to the ranch

owner to harvest and move some elk away from

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

cattle after Feb. 15

Haze elk away from cattle from Dec. 1 ? June 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some

elk to move elk away from cattle from Jan. 15 ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Feb. 15

Allow a limited number of hunters to harvest some elk to move elk away from cattle after Feb. 15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

SECTION 3: The following questions contain statements about who should be responsible for managing Brucellosis risk, different ways to approach managing Brucellosis risk, and how people feel about fish and wildlife in general. Some people agree with these statements ? others disagree with them. Some of these statements are fairly `neutral' while others are very `one-sided.' Understanding if people agree or disagree with these statements can help us determine the acceptability of different risk management approaches.

10. On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 is "Strongly Disagree" and 5 is "Strongly Agree"), please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. (For each row, please circle only one number.)

Hunters should share some of the financial costs for managing Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

FWP should be responsible for managing elk to reduce Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

The entire Montana public should share some of the financial costs of managing Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

Reducing the risk of Brucellosis transmission from elk to cattle should be a priority for FWP

Ranchers should share some of the financial costs of managing Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

The federal government should share some of the financial costs of managing Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

Strongly Disagree

1 1 1 1

1 1

Disagree 2 2 2 2 2 2

Neither 3 3 3 3 3 3

Agree 4 4 4 4 4 4

Strongly Agree

5 5 5 5

5 5

5

11. On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 is "Strongly Disagree" and 5 is "Strongly Agree"), please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. (For each row, please circle only one number.)

It is never okay for elk and cattle to co-mingle when Brucellosis is in the area

As long as fencing is temporary, it is okay for FWP to help fund fencing of private property to reduce the risk of Brucellosis transmission from elk to cattle It is never okay to hunt elk after bulls have dropped their antlers

More landowner education is needed to help with Brucellosis management

It is never okay to hunt cow elk in late winter and spring during the late stages of pregnancy

Public hunting access to private land will help manage Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle

If elk numbers need to be reduced, only hunters should be allowed to shoot elk It is okay for FWP to help fund permanent fencing of private property to reduce the risk of Brucellosis transmission from elk to cattle

Strongly Disagree

1

1

1 1 1 1 1

1

Disagree 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Neither 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Agree 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Strongly Agree

5

5

5 5 5 5 5

5

Elk should never be killed to protect cattle from Brucellosis

1

2

3

4

5

More hunter education is needed to help with Brucellosis management

1

2

3

4

5

Current efforts by FWP to manage Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle are excessive

1

2

3

4

5

Current efforts by FWP to manage Brucellosis risk from elk to cattle are insufficient

1

2

3

4

5

12. How much do you participate in the following activities? (For each row, please check only one box.)

Gardening Elk hunting Scenic driving Ranching Elk viewing Bird watching Fishing Wildlife viewing Other hunting

Not at All

Occasionally

Frequently

6

13. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about fish and wildlife? Please indicate your response on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is "Strongly Disagree" and 7 is "Strongly Agree." (For each row, please circle only one number.)

We should strive for a world where humans, fish, and wildlife can live side by side without fear

Strongly Moderately Slightly Disagree Disagree Disagree

1

2

3

Neither 4

Wildlife are like my family and I want to protect them

1

2

3

4

Slightly Moderately Strongly

Agree

Agree

Agree

5

6

7

5

6

7

Hunting is cruel and inhumane to the animals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

The needs of humans should take priority over fish and

wildlife protection

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Fish and wildlife are on earth primarily for people to

use

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

I feel a strong emotional bond with animals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hunting does not respect the lives of animals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Animals should have rights similar to the rights of humans

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

People who want to hunt should be provided the opportunity to do so

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

I value the sense of companionship I receive from

animals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

I care about animals as much as I do other people

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

We should strive for a world where there's an

abundance of fish and wildlife for hunting and fishing

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Humans should manage fish and wildlife populations

so that humans benefit

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

I view all living things together as part of one big family 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

SECTION 4:

14. During how many of the past five years have you hunted elk in Montana? (Please check only one box.)

None..... IF NONE, skip to question 16 on the following page.

1

2

3

4

5

15. Have you harvested an elk in Montana during the past five years? (Please check only one box.)

Yes

No

7

16a. Below is a list of property types where hunting typically occurs in Montana. Check all property types that you hunt on. (Please check all boxes that apply.) A. Publicly owned land (e.g., FWP, DNRC/state, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service lands, etc.). [Block Management is NOT publicly owned land.] B. Private land enrolled in Block Management. [All Plum Creek Timber Company lands in the western part of the state are enrolled in Block Management. Sieben Ranch Company located 15 miles north of Helena is enrolled in Block Management.] C. Non-Block Management private land (without a fee) that is owned by your family, relatives, a close friend, or friends of your family/relatives D. Non-Block Management private land (without a fee) that is NOT owned by your family, relatives, a close friend, or friends of your family/relatives E. Private land (guided by a hunting outfitter) F. Private land with access fee charged (e.g., hunting lease, fees charged per hunter or group of hunters, hunting club, etc.

16b. From the above list, please choose the type of property that best represents where you primarily hunt. (Please write in the letter of the property type): _________

SECTION 5:

17. How would you describe where you live? (Please check only one box.)

City

Suburb

Town

Rural Area

18. What is the highest grade of school you have completed? (Please check only one box.)

Grade school

High school graduate/ GED equivalent

College graduate

Post graduate

19. What is your gender?

Male

Female

Some college

20. In what year were you born? _________ (year)

21. What is your zip code? _____________ (zip code)

22. How many years have you lived in Montana? ___________ (total number of years)

23. What is your approximate annual household income before taxes (optional)? (Please check only one box.)

Less than $10,000

10,000 to $19,999

$20,000 to $39,999

$40,000 to $59,999

$60,000 to $79,999

$80,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $119,999

$120,000 to $139,999

$140,000 or more

Refused/don't know

Thank you for taking this survey. If you have any comments, please include them in the space below:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you!

8

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